A steady start to 2017 continued with a deeply impressive feature winner. Well done to those who took advantage of Will’s tips which resulted in a 10/1 winner at Warwick and an 8/1 winner at Punchestown. Join us for Will’s Wisdom next week plus our Plays, Lays and Daily Tips.

Finian’s Oscar, for whom the sky is the limit. He would have to be hugely respected wherever he goes, although on better ground his future for now might lie with the intermediate trip of the Neptune. Death Duty, favourite for the Albert Bartlett, might well do better over three miles following his win in the Navan Novice Hurdle – where Augusta Kate came with meaning looking challenge before falling at the last. The slowly run race didn’t suit a real roller and he has live prospects too for those who are already on for the Albert Bartlett; His current price now is short enough.

The biggest racing news of the week was the closure of Kempton Park racecourse, announced as part of a package of plans that will take place from 2021 at the earliest, we are told by the Jockey Club to much shock. The debate since has been as intense as one would expect for a course with such a rich history, especially in the jumping game.

The course will mean a great deal to any racing fan – and especially those of the National Hunt fixation – but the closure, as with so many other things, is financially based. Being around an area which has seen property value skyrocket (something that many other sports are going to have to deal with in the coming years), the land is incredibly valuable for housing development purposes and the Jockey Club, lacking real cash to service debts, must have found it too hard to turn down £100 million.

That is fair enough, and there were other reasons for closure bar money, but the plan forward appears slightly dubious. The current plans include investment for Sandown racecourse, prizemoney increases, and crucially, a “New floodlit all-weather racecourse purpose-built for horsemen to be created within Jockey Club Racecourses should Kempton Park receive redevelopment approval, with Newmarket front-running location as Britain’s busiest racehorse Training Centre.”

One of the principal reasons for Kempton’s closure as pointed out by many observers was for the lack of attendance for many of the fixtures at Kempton, especially on the All-Weather track. Attendances could be well below 1,000 and the Winter festival (King George if you’re wondering) was the only fixture that would bring 10,000 or more through the gates; those who went to the lowly attended fixtures would often report back of a soulless atmosphere that wasn’t doing much for anyone but bookmakers.

Trainers in Newmarket, the centre of flat racing in the UK, will surely rejoice at having an all-weather track on their doorstep and perhaps the often-forgotten stable staff will too give the shorter trips home.

However, those same centres are no more than an hour from Chelmsford City (incidentally about to become a casino), and two from Lingfield, courses which have a huge number of fixtures per year, and plenty which are run for decent prize money to boot too (and that’s not including the AW Championship Finals).

At the time of the last census Newmarket had a population of 20,384 – most, if not all of them, involved in racing. The attendances will do no better than Kempton, especially given the cost difficulty of reaching the area via public transport, and the quality of racing at Chelmsford City, Lingfield, and especially Newcastle, just recently turned to the AW, which had received a surprising amount of winter runners from Newcastle.

It has not been confirmed where the races over jumps will go, with Sandown a fine arena but an entirely different test to Kempton, a speed course in a game where there are not enough (the only other being Aintree that hosts a true crown jewel, in this opinion). Drainage investment is apparently high on the list in a redevelopment, and it will be a necessity if the hurdle races that are run there will not succumb to very testing ground at Christmas time given the frequent use of that strip of racing.

From a purely racing perspective, the strategic planning of the Jockey Club can be called into question. It was only in 2005 that the Kempton track was turned to the AW, after all, and the £500m reinvestment into racing will surely command at least £100m for the creation of the Newmarket course, the town’s third. It remains to be seen what happens for all, but there look to be some significant losers as well as winners.

At Kempton, the racecourse, the Lanzarote (2.40) is as competitive as ever but it could be that Doesyourdogbite has the progression left in him to make it four on the trot. He has plenty in hand when taking the closing handicap hurdle here at Boxing Day with more in hand than the winning margin of two lengths suggested and that suggests he can cope with a 6lbs rise.

The (2.05) is an incredibly tight four runner contest but if Quite By Chance hadn’t run at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day then he would be a good deal shorter than the 7/1 you can get on him here. His fourth in the December Gold Cup reads very well in this context and this is Actival’s first run of the season, and one could say that Vibrato Valtat and Vantieux have something to prove.

Onto Ireland, and the rumbling phenomenon that comes every closer in the shape of the Cheltenham Festival. It starts with what is looking to be one of the most open Supreme Novice Hurdles’ in a long time, one with many exciting contenders. The Moscow Flyer Novices’ Hurdle (2.10) at Punchestown today has proven to be a very good guide in the past and plenty have cottoned onto the fact that he has made the cut from an impressive 5 day entry haul that included impressive winners Cliaos Emery and Bunk Off Early.

He’s been seen out once, at Clonmel in December, when he travelled well before finding a reasonable amount for pressure before then beating Coquine D’Aunou by a relatively comfortable margin whilst being made to work for it. It was encouraging to see that rival – who reappears here -beat a hot favourite at Limerick and do so comfortably since. He’s been cut to 4/6 to win today and 12/1 for the Supreme, a price shorter than the 20 and 16/1 he was when followers were advised to take an each/way punt back in December.

He will have to win and well to justify those prices, and the ante post value is probably the better bet for those tempted by the 4/6. Runfordave, a game winner of his maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse who was set to make a wining challenge when falling at Fairyhouse over Christmas in an open rated hurdle, should test him, as should the 136 rated Dr Mikey, but the one of interest is another once raced hurdle winner.

Not much was expected of Any Second Now when he made his debut at Navan – he went off 66/1 – but the way that the son of Oscar came from 6th to first through the straight was deeply impressive and he promises to improve, perhaps being left without so much ground to make up. He won very easily that day and looks overpriced at 8/1. Calino D’Airy won by a neck on his debut at Down Royal and the form of that was boosted with a nice second for the runner up on his debut.

Earlier in the day in Ireland, the Sportinglife.com Beginners Chase (12.35) is a strong race where Mall Dini attempts to get off the mark over fences. The Pertemps winner of last year was a mile ahead of Arkwrisht when two decent horses beat him at Punchestown but he wants further based on that evidence here and will excel over 3 miles. Bachasson was coming to win his race when he fell at Thurles on his debut and if standing up he has a chance although the form has not worked out as well as one would hope since. Edwulf should find a race and he can enjoy the drop in trip to boot.

At Warwick, One For Arthur makes a great deal of appeal in the Classic Chase. This is a fiercely contested renewal, but there’s nothing not to like about what he’s done in two starts this season after growing a good deal during the summer. An eight-length winner on his return at Ayr, he was upped sharply in class when sent to the Becher Chase, but he was well backed and was a fine fifth in a strong renewal. The form of that reads incredibly well and he gets to race off the same mark of 137 here which makes him the most appealingly handicapped horse here by far and his main enemy may be the ground. The big worry might be the ground, but he has decent runs on heavy before.

There are several other choices that make great appeal but if Sego Success can get round then he could be involved. He’s only 1lb higher than when last winning but 6lbs lower than when he got to the second and fell in last year’s renewal and the first time blinkers are an interesting addition given first time cheekpieces worked so well and in any case he’s always needed this far.

The Leamington Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (3.00) is a fascinating contest where Peregrine Run has much the best form courtesy of his Grade 2 win where he got the better of Wholestone and West Approach to boot. He’s still a very tempting choice here but the deepness of the ground here – especially given the best of his improvement has come after switching to a sounder surface – is offputting.

Georgie Des Champs could still be improving after his second at Newbury on handicap debut and we know that he will be fine with the ground but considerations must also be given to Gayebury, who has strong form on heavy and kept pulling out more in front on his hurdling debut. Get On The Yager thrashed Willoughby Court by 13 lengths on debut before being beaten by another fine prospect in the French Furze; Ballyhill looks best at this distance but has more to find.

The Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (2.25) is one of many fascinating legs in a series which brings all types of horses together. This is a traditionally strong leg and there were many that made appeal, but Cogry has already made the decision to revert to hurdling from chasing work with a hard fought win at Cheltenham and with the ground no problem and an extra trip sure to negate at least some part of an 6lbs rise, he makes appeal to run a big race once again.

Also of interest is another chaser, Fourth Act. He would not be the name that comes to mind when thinking of chasers from the Colin Tizzard yard but his second last run was a fine fourth in a well contested Cheltenham heat (following on from a very good fourth in the United House Gold Cup at Ascot). A fine staying chaser with a wide margin win on heavy ground, he’s 8lbs lower over hurdles before the addition of 10lbs claimer Angus Chelda and that makes him a bet too at 16/1.

The Hampton (1.50) is a fine contest where the winner will probably be seen at the Festival afterwards. Pobbles Bay managed to give Ibis Ru Rheu a fine beating and has earned his current mark of 146, whilst American looks a better chaser than he ever was a hurdler as judged on a line through Label Des Obeaux; That is definitely true of Mystical Knight, who was a comprehensive winner over Chef D’oeuvre here four weeks ago, but Champers On Ice has arguably shown more raw ability than all of them and whilst this is going to be a tough first real chasing test (he had nothing to do on his debut at Lingfield, but still beat Duelling Banjos by five more lengths than Mythical Knight did. His thirds on trials day and in the Albert Bartlett over hurdles at Cheltenham read very well and he can take the beating.

At the top of the wish list for all National Hunt Racing fans this Christmas is to find the winner of the King George VI Chase at Kempton. This year’s race, once again sponsored by William Hill, promises to be even more mouth-watering than the previous days Christmas dinner and it is the jewel in the crown of the William Hill Winter Festival at Kempton. For more information on the history of this great race – What is the King George VI Chase? Last year’s renewal delivered an impressive performance from Silviniaco Conti who dictated a strong pace and jumped his rivals in submission. He never looked in any danger in the closing stages and his tactics had clearly blunted the potential turn of foot of good horses such as Cue Card and Champagne Fever. It was a superb piece of jockeyship from Noel Fehily and a fantastic performance from the horse himself to defend his crown and land his second King George. Silviniaco Conti went on to disappoint in the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival and he was no match for Cue Card in the Betfair Chase on his last outing. However, he cannot be written off having recorded back to back victories in the race and this will have been his main target. He will be absolutely spot-on come Boxing Day and make no mistake that this race is Silviniaco Conti’s Gold Cup. He is still only 9 and has not become a bad horse overnight. I can’t help but feel that he is being overlooked slightly in the betting for this race. The big three players for the race at present are Don Cossack, Vautour and Cue Card. Don Cossack confirmed himself as a chaser of the highest order last season when landing multiple Grade One’s including the Punchestown Gold Cup and the Melling Chase at Aintree. He has returned this season in rude health by blowing away his rivals at Punchestown and Down Royal. His trainer Gordon Elliot has always spoken highly of him and he looks to be getting better with every run and is a worthy favourite for this, given his official rating of 180. In any ordinary renewal of this race he would go off a fairly short price and the sharp track should also place to his strengths at this trip. However, this is no ordinary renewal. If all of the big players that have been entered turn up on Boxing Day, it promises to be an incredible race, the likes of which jump racing fans have not seen for many years. Willie Mullins Vautour will no doubt be very well supported. He is the apple of Willie’s eye and was unbelievably impressive when winning the JLT Novices Chase at last year’s Cheltenham Festival. A previous winner of the Supreme Novices Hurdle, Vautour clearly has plenty of speed and so the sharp track should play to his strengths. However, some concerns have been raised about his tendency to jump out to the left, a trait which he displayed when narrowly beating Ptit Zig at Ascot on his reappearance, despite being in receipt of 5lbs. That form has also taken a slight knock with Ptit Zig having been beaten in the Peterborough Chase. There is little doubt though that he would have been undercooked for his seasonal re-appearance and he is likely to come on a great deal for that run, particularly as he was made to work for the victory. He will be much fitter on Boxing Day but given the quality of the opposition he faces, his tendency to jump out to the left and his disappointing performance on Boxing Day last year at Leopardstown, he is too short in the betting for this year’s King George and I feel that he will be more in his element in the spring at the Cheltenham Festival. The greatest Christmas present for all National Hunt Racing fans would be to see last year’s Gold Cup hero Coneygree take his chance in the race. He needs to be supplemented for the race following an error which led to him not being entered. There are some doubts hanging over his well-being as he has had a slight foot injury and having been taken out of the Hennessy following an unsatisfactory schooling session. However, in the absence of any further negative reports, one would have to presume that he has come back to himself and if he has then I would strongly urge connections to let him take his chance in the race. Coneygree was a facile winner of last year’s Kauto Star Novices Chase run over the same course and distance as The King George and on the same day. In blowing away his rivals Coneygree recorded a time that was just 1.7 seconds slower that that recorded by Silviniaco Conti. That was remarkable really given that the King George was ridden at a strong pace with a field of 10 high class and mostly Grade One winning chasers. Coneygree on the other hand had just six rivals which weren’t even in the same league as him on the day; two fell and one unseated. Coneygree put their jumping to the test from flag fall and cruised home in his own time and so to record a time very close to that recorded in the King George is testament to his ability. He then went on to deploy the same tactics in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, with the same result. That race has worked out unbelievably well and if Coneygree turns up here then his rivals are going to find out what he is all about. I firmly believe that should he take his chance in the race he will do to his rivals what Silviniaco Conti did in last year’s race, but to even more devastating effect and against an even stronger field. So let us hope that he is sound and well and that we’ll be set up for a truly fantastic race on Boxing Day!

Hard to argue with his position at the head of the market. Silviniaco Conti tops FSF’s, (Form & Speed Ratings) stays this trip, won the race last season and followed up with the Betfair Chase (Travelled kindly in first time cheek-pieces) this November. His four highest RPR’s have come on soft ground though he won the Betfred Bowl on good ground. It is worth noting; the second failed to stay, while the fourth and fifth were well below form. If the ground stays as it is on Christmas Eve, he might prove vulnerable to a rival with a turn of foot.

DYNASTE

167

Consistent chaser at this level and landed the Ryanair for connections in March. Despite excellent efforts at this distance, he has been found wanting at Grade One level three-times. Twice in the Betfair Chase, once in the Aintree Bowl. His run in this race last season is forgiven as he returned home with an injury. Wears first time cheek-pieces.

MENORAH

167

This fellow has bounced back to his best. A comfortable success in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby preceded an excellent effort in the Betfair Chase. On ground that would have not have helped, he arrived at the third from home full of run. However, he eventually had to concede to the greater staying power of the winner. Menorah has a good record at this course, holding every chance of going close if current ground underhoof remains as predicted.

AL FEROF

165

Repeated his previous 2013 Ascot success when returned there in November. Goes well fresh, handles right-handed tracks, and effective on likely ground underhoof. Bred out of a stout stayer, there are doubts for this trip on the dams’ side. Third in the race last year on heavy ground, he failed to see out the distance.

CUE CARD

164

Jumped for fun in the race last season until emptying out approaching the last fence. The ground will help this time round, though recent runs raise concerns. Despite protestations from connections of recent good work on the gallops, RPR’s indicate he needs to improve 10/11lb on 2014 form.

WISHFULL THINKING

161

Loves flat tracks and back to his best this season. However, as with several others, his stamina is unproven. Goes right-handed, handles current ground conditions.

CHAMPAGNE FEVER

158

Champagne Fever returned to action with a comfortable success over two and a half-miles in a Grade Two Chase at Clonmel. Whilst he is bred to stay, one wonders if his running style and natural exuberance, can be harnessed to see out the trip. In addition, his FSF shows the amount of improvement needed if the higher rated horses run to their best. Has won going right-handed, will handle the ground, and previously won on a flat track. (Leopardstown).

WONDERFUL CHARM

157

Profile suggests he is happiest on a flat track and effective right-handed. Yet to prove he truly stays three-miles; breeding suggests it may prove beyond him.

DOUBLE ROSS

154

Ran well at Wetherby when third to Menorah over three-miles. Either side of that he has failed to complete. Has won at right-handed Perth, though his best RPR’s have come at Cheltenham. Races enthusiastically and yet to prove conclusively he will stay three-miles in this grade.

JOHNS SPIRIT

152

Likeable horse that needs to prove he can stay three-miles and display a similar level of form away from Cheltenham. He has won right-handed, will enjoy current ground conditions, and has the ability to travel within himself off the pace. Sire has three-mile winners on his C.V, though stamina doubts for this distance arise via his dam.

The going at Chepstow was heavy. Monkey Kingdom held on grimly in the opener to land something of a gamble. The form looks modest with the winning trainer considers the horse a chaser for next season. Poole Master rallied well on the extended run-in (last fence omitted) to catch Grey Gold close home. The runner-up dispelled any thoughts he is best going left-handed, leaving the impression he may well have won had the final fence not been omitted. Buddy Bolero, returned to hurdles off a 6lb lower handicap mark with a 5lb claimer on board, ran out an easy winner of the three-mile handicap hurdle. Second and third are useful yardsticks suggesting the form is solid. Buddy Bolero needs soft/heavy ground to show his best, suggesting the final at Cheltenham is not perhaps the race for him. Binge Drinker stayed on well to land the Bumper. He looks a nice sort that reportedly jumps well at home.

At Fairyhouse on soft to heavy ground, the opening juvenile hurdle went to the Willie Mullins Abbyssial. Having made all and jumped well he held on in a driving finish (flashed tail under pressure) from his odds-on stablemate Adriana Des Mottes. RPR’s suggest the winner is 9lb short of the best juveniles. Gerdago, improved to finish third, looking a likely sort for handicaps, while fourth placed Blue Hell travelled well until after second last flight. He should improve for this first run outside France. One His Own ran out an impressive winner of the Bobbyjo Chase. The appalling round of jumping from Mount Benbulben simplified his task. Warne won the Hunter Chase looking in the sort of form to go close in the Aintree version of the Foxhunters’ Chase. The Bumper went to Willie Mullins’s Westhorpe. He showed a nice turn of foot go clear a furling and a half from home, holding on well when challenged by the runner-up Fine Article. The pair drew well clear suggesting it as an above average contest. Westhorpe will improve on this having run green when let down by his capable jockey. The runner up is a fine big sort that will make a chaser in the future. The winners RPR suggests improvement will be needed if he is dispatched to Cheltenham.

Kempton Park was soft with heavy patches on the lakeside bend. In the opener, PresentView showed improved form to come home clear of a decent type in Ballinvarrig. Both the second and third ran to their best form, suggesting the winner should go well if turning up at Cheltenham. It should be noted he has run two good races on good to soft; one at Kempton Park while the other came when successful in an Irish-Point.

The Adonis Hurdle looked a good race on paper. Activial jumped well and stayed on powerfully to go clear on the run-in. His RPR leaves him short of what will be needed in the Triumph Hurdle. However, he paid a handsome compliment to Calipto who beat him at Newbury in late November. Commissioned jumped and travelled well in first time blinkers. He kept on well without looking the most straightforward of horses. On the plus side, this was only the fifth race of his career having had three runs on the flat in 2013. The contest was run at a decent pace thanks to Solar Impulse’s efforts up front. Whilst his jumping was novicey at times, he kept on surprisingly well to finish third. Likely to take his chance in the Fred Winter, he would be a player in that event if consenting to settle. Alcala ran a sound race in fourth on his start in the UK. A big horse he should do well over fences next season. Goodwood Mirage compromised his chance by consistently jumping out to the left. The first time hood saw him settle better and he will be interesting on better ground in a handicap.

Balder Succes’s love affair with small fields continued in the Pendil Novices Chase. Thanks to the front running duties carried out by Loose Chips, the winner clocked a 6.90-second faster time than Present Time in the first race. At the third last Fox Appeal and Balder Succes jumped on chased by Gods Own. Fox Appeal jumped ahead at the second last though Balder Succes quickly drew level approaching the last. Jumping that well, he showed a good turn of foot to see off Fox Appeal and God’s Own who ran on gamely to snatch second. The third home has now run his last three races to the same RPR, while the second improved his figure. Balder Succes has proved he stays two and a half-miles and is effective on good through to heavy ground. If he can reproduce this form in a bigger field, another nice prize should come his way.

Irving ran out an easy winner of the Dovecote Hurdle improving his RPR by 3lb. He travels like a dream in his races and put the race to bed approaching the final flight. He will need to brush up his jumping at Cheltenham, as he was less than fluent at several flights including the last. Looking ahead to the Festival, we are in the dark as to how he will handle both a left-handed and undulating track. Amore Alato is a consistent sort running to his best form. Given his style of racing, he is always likely to be vulnerable to something with a turn of foot. Cup Final is improving and will find a race in due course. First Mohican made too many mistakes and left the impression he is not over keen at this game. Germany Calling was an eyecatcher. Always thereabouts, he travelled and jumped in good style despite racing exuberantly after an extended break. In addition, he was not knocked about at any stage.

Bally Legend ran out a worthy winner of the valuable BetBright Chase. Joining in the fun three from home, he jumping the last two lengths clear holding on well on the run to the line. Bally Legend loves this track as a chase record of 2, 1, 2, 4, 1, displays. Held up in rear, Bury Parade ran wide turning away from the stands, he began to make steady headway down the far side. Challenging at the second last, he switched left on the run to the final fence. He ran on strongly but never looked like reeling in the winner. A shade unlucky, he would be capable of further success if keeping his mind on the job through his races. Profile suggests he is best on soft/heavy, going right-handed. Tour Des Champs returned to his best. Making most of the running, his jumping was better in a first time visor. Despite a slight mistake at the third last, he battled on all the way to the line. If he can avoid mistakes, he should run well in a handicap at the Cheltenham Festival. Ardkilly Witness ran another sound race appearing to need a stiffer track or a slightly longer trip. He may have been a couple of lengths close had he not lost momentum when squeezed for room on the home turn. His best form has come on right-handed tracks on good to soft through to heavy. Niceonefrankie ran well coming from off the pace. He has another handicap in him dropped in grade, off a slightly lower handicap mark. Following a three-month break Standing Ovation ran a nice race until weakening after the third last. He prefers good ground.

Full Shift ran out a cosy winner of the two-mile five-furlong handicap hurdle. He will improve again for this run and prove best on a sounder surface.

Aqalim utilised his flat breeding speed to take the Bumper in a tight three-way finish. Clondaw Banker was just done for toe off what was a farcical early pace. Hurricane Vic showed promise in fourth on his debut.

Newcastle was heavy, soft in places. Pinerolo jumped well in the opening race; battling on gamely when looking beaten. A likeable sort he appears to handle most ground conditions. In the Eider Chase, Wyck Hill returned to his best having raced prominently throughout. He recorded the same RPR as when last successful. The form looks solid with the consistent Smoking Aces finishing strongly into a close second. Both Ballypatrick and Safran De Cotte ran close to their best RPR’s. The latter is running into form after a lean time this season.

Two performances caught the eye on Sunday. Narrowly denied in the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell, Mister Eckhart showed he is returning to his best. He looks on target for handicaps at both Cheltenham and Aintree, where he placed on both occasions in 2013. In the Bumper at Naas, Killultagh Vic recorded an excellent RPR putting him second top of that division. Mr Mullins has a strong hand for Cheltenham with Black Hercules and Shaneshill waiting in the wings. Beaten sixteen-lengths Golantilla travelled easily until blowing up with two-furlongs to run. He is likely to improve considerably and remains a player in the Festival Bumper.

FSF = Form and speed combined rating. Based on the horse’s best performance over the last twelve months. CUE CARD – FSF 161 2013 Ryanair Chase hero, Cue Card showed the benefit of a run at Exeter when scoring convincingly in the Betfair Chase. Allowed to dictate matters that day, he jumped well in the main, sealing the race with a fine jump at the last. It should be noted; he went round glued to the inside of the track while both second and third raced wider for much of the race. One wonders if his rivals will afford him an easy time up front this time round. In addition, his one run at Kempton Park came in this race last year when a disappointing fifth. SILVINIACO CONTI – FSF 159 Returned to action when third to Cue Card in the Betfair Chase. Conceded fitness to the winner that day and travelled well through the race. Reported to have progressed since that run and should be a major player. His top five FSF ratings have all come on left-handed tracks. MENORAH – FSF 158 Seasonal debut. Likes the course and looked to see out three-miles when second to First Lieutenant at Aintree in April. No horse has won this in the past twenty-five years on his seasonal reappearance. Won on heavy ground at this meeting in 2012. AL FEROF – FSF 154 Sustained an injury when taking the 2012 Paddy Power Gold Cup. Returning to action at Ascot in November, he jumped brilliantly to win easily from French Opera. The second upheld the form with an excellent run under top-weight in a handicap at Cheltenham. His breeding suggests three-miles will suit as he is by the same sire as Silviniaco Conti; while the sire of his dam, is also the sire of that horses dam. Travels well through his race and looks sure to be thereabouts. DYNASTE – FSF 154 Bolted up in the Feltham Chase on this card in 2012. Returned to action with a fine second to Cue Card in the Betfair Chase. Conceded fitness to the winner that day and travelled well before finding the winner too strong in the closing stages. With six runs under his saddle over fences, we may not have the best of him. LONG RUN – FSF 154 Dual winner of this race; though form this season has been well below his best. First time visor suggests he is perhaps, not concentrating on the job in hand, after numerous titanic battles both here and in France. CHAMPION COURT (IRE) – FSF 151 Unlucky not to win the Peterborough Chase with his saddle slipping on landing after the final fence. Had a hard race that day and is another not sure to see out the trip. RIVERSIDE THATRE – FSF 151 Returned to something approaching his best when rallying gamely to take the Peterborough Chase. Despite a second in this race in 2011, he does not appeal as one who is sure to see trip out at this level. In addition, his Peterborough Chase win came the hard way just fourteen days ago. MOUNT BENBULBEN (IRE) – FSF 145 Useful chaser on his day with six of his seven wins coming right-handed. Going well when unseating his rider at the fourth last in the JNwine.com Chase at Down Royal in November. Jumping errors have held back his progress over fences though clearly possesses a good engine.

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